Rangers Prospects Shine at WJC

By Brandon LeBourveau

December 31st, 2000

World Junior Championships

Jamie Lundmark and team Canada have played 1 game since I last updated. Lundmark scored 2 goals in an 8-4 win over Switzerland today. Lundmark currenlty has 5 points (3 goals, 2 assists) and 2 penalty minutes in 4 games so far. He is tied for 1st on the team in points with forward Mike Cammalleri and is tied for 5th in the whole tournament, with 11 other players, with his 5 points.. Canada is currently 2-1-1 as the opening round comes to a close. They face team USA in their next game.

Pavel Brendl and the Czech Republic have played one game since I last updated. The Czech’s defeated Slovakia today by a score of 5-0. Brendl was the star of the game for the Czech Republic, as he registered a goal and 3 assists in the game. Brendl currently has 7 points (2 goals, 5 assists) and 4 penalty minutes in 4 games so far. He leads the Czech Republic and the whole tournament with his 7 points. The Czech Republic is currently 4-0-0. They face Sven Helfenstein and team Switzerland in their next game.

Sven Helfenstein and team Switzerland have played 1 game since I last updated. Helfenstein was held scoreless in an 8-4 loss to team Canada. He got his name on the scoresheet however as he did take a penalty during the game. Helfenstein currently has 2 points (2 goals) and 4 penalty minutes in 4 games so far. Switzerland’s record is 1-2-1. Helfenstein and Switzerland take on the Czech Republic in their next game.

Henrik Lundqvist and team Sweden have played 1 game since I last updated. Lundqvist made 33 saves in Sweden’s 3-1 loss to the USA. Through 4 games, Lundqvist has a 2.00 GAA and a .920 save percentage. He ranks 6th among goalies in the tournament with his .920 save percentage and he ranks 6th with his 2.00 GAA. Sweden is now 2-2-0 in the tournament. Sweden takes on the Russians in their next game.

News

Word out of Hartford is that Rangers prospect Stefan Cherneski, their 1st round pick (19th overall) in the 1997 draft, is pondering retirement. For those of you that remember, Cherneski shattered his knee cap 2 years ago and is just getting back into playing shape this season. However, he has an insurance policy in his contract that if he retires before his 30th game back from the injury, he receives 2 million dollars. He has already played 29 games, and the Wolf Pack are waiting on his word before making an official announcement. If Cherneski does retire, it should be a sad day for all Rangers fans as Cherneski had a bright NHL future until his accident.

Trade Rumors

Word out of Montreal is that they will start dealing some of their veteran players like Trevor Linden, Jeff Hacket and Eric Weinrich soon. Rangers would have an interest in Weinrich as he is a solid defensive defenseman who would definitely improve their team.